Tour Overview
Embark on a 13-day wildlife and birding adventure in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, combining some of the best birding hotspots with thrilling wildlife experiences, including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game safaris. Witness rare species like the Shoebill Stork, spot the elusive tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of Uganda’s protected areas. This safari offers both seasoned birders and wildlife enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems, from papyrus swamps to tropical forests and savannah plains, with comfortable lodges and expert guides ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Itinerary
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport where you will be met by your Uganda Wildlife Scene Safaris representative. After a warm welcome, transfer to your accommodation at 2 Friends Beach Hotel – Entebbe. Spend the day relaxing after your flight, preparing for the exciting adventure ahead. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Mabamba Bay, a Ramsar-listed wetland on the edge of Lake Victoria. Explore the swamp by motorized canoe in search of the legendary Shoebill Stork, along with other species like Blue Swallow, Papyrus Gonolek, African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and the African Fish Eagle. Enjoy the peaceful waterways and lush papyrus channels as you bird. After a morning of birding, enjoy lunch near the swamp, then head to Entebbe Botanical Gardens for a leisurely afternoon birding walk among exotic trees, endemic birds, and well-maintained paths. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Depart after breakfast for Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s fourth national park, covering 256 km² of rolling hills and savannah interspersed with lakes. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and then take a 1.5-hour boat ride on Lake Mburo, birding along the shoreline and spotting aquatic species such as fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers. Continue with an evening game drive, observing zebras, giraffes, impalas, topis, elands, buffaloes, hippos, and a wide variety of birds in their natural habitats. Return to Kigambira Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight.
After an early breakfast, drive through scenic countryside to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. Stop for photos along the way at breathtaking viewpoints. Arrive in the early afternoon, check in at Haven Lodge, and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking. Enjoy the serene forest surroundings and a peaceful evening. Dinner and overnight at Haven Lodge.
Wake early for breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing on gorilla trekking by the chief park warden. Set off in groups through dense forest trails, spotting exotic birds, butterflies, and unique forest flora. Trek for 30 minutes to 5 hours depending on gorilla movement, culminating in a magical hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge, share experiences, and enjoy dinner and overnight stay.
Today is dedicated entirely to birding in Bwindi Forest, home to over 350 species, including African green broadbill, Rwenzori turaco, black-billed turaco, and many endemics. Morning and afternoon excursions allow time for photography and detailed observation. Your guide will share insights about forest ecology, species identification, and conservation efforts. Return to the lodge for refreshments, dinner, and overnight stay.
After breakfast, depart to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a morning game drive in search of lions lounging in acacia trees, along with elephants, buffaloes, topis, and abundant birdlife. Picnic lunch in the park before continuing to the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth NP. Check in at Mweya Safari Lodge, relax with refreshments, and enjoy dinner overlooking the Kazinga Channel.
Start early with a morning game drive to witness predators in action. Breakfast follows back at the lodge. Visit Salt Crater Lake to see traditional salt extraction. After lunch, embark on a two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and elephants along the banks. Enjoy a short evening game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner, campfire, and overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Kibale Forest, known for its rich primate and bird life. Arrive in time for lunch and check in at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge. Spend the afternoon on a guided birding walk through the forest, observing species such as Great Blue Turaco, African green broadbill, and forest weavers. Return to the lodge for refreshments, dinner, and overnight stay.
After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a chimpanzee tracking briefing. Trek through dense forest trails for 3-4 hours, encountering chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and numerous bird species. After tracking, enjoy lunch before a nature walk in Bigodi Wetlands, observing papyrus birds and local flora, with optional visits to nearby villages. Return to the lodge for refreshments, dinner, and overnight stay.
After breakfast, embark on a tour of the Kasenda crater lakes, taking in stunning panoramic views and birding opportunities. Observe endemic species and enjoy the beauty of nine different crater lakes. Stop for lunch at Nkuruba Crater Lake, then return to your lodge for refreshments, dinner, and overnight stay.
After breakfast, transfer back to Entebbe through scenic countryside. Arrive in the early evening, check in at 2 Friends Beach Hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax after a long day of travel.
After breakfast, depart early to Mabamba Swamp for a morning excursion in search of the rare Shoebill Stork. Navigate the tranquil papyrus channels and observe other wetland species in their natural habitat. Return for lunch, then tour Entebbe town and its botanical gardens. Visit the local craft shops for unique souvenirs. Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, concluding this memorable birding, gorilla trekking, and game safari.
